Battery swapping connector, battery device, and electric device

Abstract

A battery swapping connector (100), a battery device (200), and an electric device (1000). The battery swapping connector (100) comprises: a mounting base (110) and a plug (120); the mounting base (110) comprises a base body portion (111) and a mating portion (112) arranged on the upper side of the base body portion (111); two ends of the upper surface of the mating portion (112) in a first horizontal direction are respectively a first end (1121) and a second end (1122); the upper surface of the mating portion (112) extends downward in a direction from the first end (1121) toward the second end (1122); the plug (120) comprises a housing (121) and pins (122); the housing (121) surrounds the mating portion (112); the pins (122) are arranged in the housing (121); discharge through hole (123) are formed in the lower end of the housing (121), and the discharge through holes (123) are located at the second end (1122) and are located on the upper side of the mating portion (112).

Description

Battery swapping connectors, battery packs and electrical devices

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202422910049.2, filed on November 27, 2024, entitled “Battery Swapping Connector, Battery Device and Power Consumption Device”. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of battery swapping connector technology, and in particular to a battery swapping connector, a battery device, and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0004] In recent years, new energy vehicles have gradually become a research hotspot in various countries. In particular, the research and development of key technologies for new energy vehicle power systems, such as batteries, has received key support. Among them, battery swapping connectors are an important hub for energy connection between battery devices and vehicles.

[0005] In related technologies, dust, snow water and other debris easily accumulate inside the battery swapping connector, and it is not easy to clean. The accumulation of debris inside the battery swapping connector can affect the battery swapping efficiency.

[0006] Application content

[0007] This application aims to at least partially address one of the technical problems in the related art.

[0008] Therefore, in the first aspect, this application proposes a battery swapping connector, a battery device, and an electrical device, wherein the battery swapping connector is less prone to accumulating debris, so as to facilitate the cleaning and maintenance of the battery swapping connector.

[0009] Secondly, this application proposes a battery device.

[0010] Thirdly, this application proposes an electrical device.

[0011] A battery swapping connector according to an embodiment of this application includes: a mounting base, the mounting base including a base body and a mating part, the mating part being disposed on the upper side of the base body and protruding from the base body, the upper surface of the mating part having a first end and a second end at two ends in a first horizontal direction, the upper surface of the mating part extending downward along the direction from the first end toward the second end, the plug including a housing and a pin, the housing being disposed on the base body and on the same side of the base body as the mating part, the housing extending vertically into a cylindrical structure and surrounding the mating part, the pin being disposed on the radially inner side of the housing and passing through the mating part, the lower end of the housing having at least one discharge through hole, the discharge through hole being located at the second end and on the upper side of the mating part, a portion of the discharge through hole being flush with the upper and lower ends of the second end of the mating part.

[0012] Therefore, by providing a mating part on the base portion, and making the distance between the mating part and the base portion in the first direction gradually decrease from the first end to the second end, the mating part can guide debris to the second end. By providing a discharge through hole at the second end on the housing, after the mating part guides the debris to the second end, the debris can be discharged from the battery swapping connector through the discharge through hole, preventing debris from accumulating inside the battery swapping connector. This helps reduce the risk of affecting the battery swapping efficiency of the battery device due to debris accumulation inside the battery swapping connector. Furthermore, the edge of the discharge through hole is flush with the second end to prevent the mating part from blocking the discharge through hole, improving the effect of debris discharge through the discharge through hole. It also helps prevent the discharge through hole from becoming blocked. In addition, the setting of the discharge through hole facilitates the introduction of air resistance into the battery swapping connector, which helps increase the friction force when the battery swapping connector and the mating device are mated, thereby improving the mating reliability of the battery swapping connector.

[0013] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle structure provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0015] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a battery device provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery swapping connector provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0017] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3 at point AA;

[0018] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery swapping connector provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0019] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery swapping connector provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery swapping connector provided in some embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0023] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0024] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly, for example, they can refer to direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0026] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the dimensions of various components and the dimensions of holes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0027] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0028] In this application, the battery cell may include lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion primary batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or magnesium-ion batteries, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these. The battery cell may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, polygonal prism, flat, or other shapes, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these. Battery cells are generally divided into three types according to their packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, square battery cells, and pouch battery cells, and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0029] A single battery cell typically includes a casing, a cell assembly, and an electrolyte. The casing houses the cell assembly and the electrolyte, and has at least one positive electrode post and at least one negative electrode post. The cell assembly includes one or more electrode assemblies, which are formed by stacking or winding positive electrode plates, negative electrode plates, and separators.

[0030] The positive electrode sheet generally includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is directly or indirectly coated on the positive current collector. The positive current collector without the positive active material layer protrudes from the positive current collector with the positive active material layer. The positive current collector without the positive active material layer serves as a positive electrode tab. Multiple positive electrode tabs are stacked together and form an electrical connection with the positive electrode post.

[0031] A negative electrode generally includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is directly or indirectly coated on the negative current collector. The negative current collector without a negative active material layer protrudes from the negative current collector with a negative active material layer. The negative current collector without a negative active material layer serves as a negative electrode tab. Multiple negative electrode tabs are stacked together and form an electrical connection with the negative electrode post. The material of the separator is not limited; for example, it can be polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0032] In recent years, new energy vehicles have gradually become a research hotspot in various countries, especially the research and development of key technologies for new energy vehicle power systems such as batteries, which have received key support.

[0033] In related technologies, dust, snow water and other debris easily accumulate inside the battery swapping connector, and it is not easy to clean. At the same time, the accumulation of debris inside the battery swapping connector can affect the battery swapping efficiency.

[0034] Based on the above considerations, in order to reduce the risk of affecting the battery swapping efficiency due to the accumulation of debris inside the battery swapping connector, a battery swapping connector is proposed. The battery swapping connector includes: a mounting base and a plug. The mounting base includes a base body and a mating part. The mating part is located on one side of the base body in a first direction and protrudes from the base body. The two ends of the mating part's side surface away from the base body in a first horizontal direction are a first end and a second end, respectively. The distance between the mating part's side surface away from the base body and the base body's side surface away from the mating part in the first direction decreases along the direction from the first end to the second end. The first horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The plug and the mating part are located on the same side of the base body. The plug includes a housing and a pin. The housing extends along the first direction into a cylindrical structure and surrounds the mating part. The pin is located inside the housing and passes through the mating part along the first direction. At least one discharge through hole is formed at the end of the housing connected to the base body. The discharge through hole is located at the second end and on the side of the mating part away from the base body. The edge of the discharge through hole is flush with the second end.

[0035] In the above technical solution, by providing a mating part on the base portion, and having the upper surface of the mating part extend downward toward the second end, the upper surface of the mating part can guide debris (such as dust and snow water). The debris can move toward the second end from the side surface of the mating part away from the base portion. By providing a discharge through hole at the second end on the housing, and the discharge through hole being located on the side of the mating part away from the base portion, the debris is guided to the second end by the side surface of the mating part away from the base portion. The debris can then be discharged from the battery swapping connector through the discharge through hole, preventing debris from accumulating inside the battery swapping connector. This improves the ease of cleaning the battery swapping connector and reduces the risk of battery swapping efficiency being affected by debris accumulation inside the battery swapping connector. Furthermore, by making the edge of the discharge through hole flush with the second end, the mating part cannot block the discharge through hole, improving the effectiveness of debris discharge through the discharge through hole and preventing blockage of the discharge through hole.

[0036] This application provides a battery device using the battery swapping connector disclosed herein. The battery device refers to a single physical module comprising multiple battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery device mentioned in this application can be a battery module or battery pack, etc. A battery module generally includes multiple battery cells. The battery device generally includes a housing for encapsulating multiple battery cells or multiple battery modules. The housing can prevent liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells; of course, the battery device may also not include a housing.

[0037] This application provides an electrical device using the battery device disclosed herein. The electrical device can be, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, etc. Electric toys can include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers, etc.

[0038] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments use a vehicle as an example to describe the structure of the electrical device 1000, battery device 200, and battery swapping connector 100 of this application.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrical device 1000 provided in some embodiments of this application as a vehicle. The vehicle can be a gasoline vehicle, a natural gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. New energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. The vehicle is equipped with a battery device 200, which can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle. The battery device 200 can be used to store electrical energy or supply power to the vehicle; for example, the battery device 200 can serve as the vehicle's operating power source. The vehicle may also include a controller 300 and a motor 400. The controller 300 is used to control the battery device 200 to supply power to the motor 400, for example, for the vehicle's starting, navigation, and driving power needs. In some embodiments of this application, the battery device 200 can not only serve as the vehicle's operating power source but also as the vehicle's driving power source, replacing or partially replacing gasoline or natural gas to provide driving power to the vehicle.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 2, which is an exploded view of a battery device 200 provided in some embodiments of this application. The battery device 200 includes a housing 210 and battery cells 220. The battery cells 220 are disposed within the housing 210, which provides assembly space for the battery cells 220. In some embodiments, the housing 210 may include a first housing 210a and a second housing 210b. The first housing 210a can be fastened to the second housing 210b and fixedly connected by a threaded connector. The first housing 210a and the second housing 210b can jointly define a receiving cavity for accommodating the battery cells 220.

[0041] For example, referring to Figure 2, the first box 210a and the second box 210b can both be hollow structures with an opening on one side. The opening side of the first box 210a covers the opening side of the second box 210b to form a box 210 with a receiving space. Alternatively, the second box 210b can be a hollow structure with an opening at one end, and the first box 210a can be a plate-like structure, with the first box 210a covering the opening side of the second box 210b, so that the first box 210a and the second box 210b together define a receiving cavity. The box 210 can be of various shapes, such as a cylinder or a cuboid.

[0042] In some embodiments, the battery device 200 further includes a battery swapping connector 100, which is disposed in the housing 210, and the battery swapping connector 100 mounting base 110 is connected to the housing 210. For example, the housing 210 may include a first housing 210a and a second housing 210b. The first housing 210a can be engaged with the second housing 210b. The battery swapping connector 100 can be disposed on either the first housing 210a or the second housing 210b. For example, the mounting base 110 and the first housing 210a may be provided with corresponding threaded holes. Threaded fasteners (such as screws) can be passed through the threaded holes and the mounting base 110 and the first housing 210a can be fixedly connected to each other, so as to realize that the battery swapping connector 100 is disposed on the first housing 210a; or the mounting base 110 and the second housing 210b may be provided with mutually cooperating buckles and slot structures. The mounting base 110 and the second housing 210b are fixed by the buckle and the slot, so as to realize that the battery swapping connector 100 is disposed on the second housing 210b.

[0043] In the battery device 200, multiple battery cells 220 can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed configuration. A mixed configuration refers to the presence of both series and parallel connections among the multiple battery cells 220. Multiple battery cells 220 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed configuration, and then the entire assembly of the multiple battery cells 220 is housed within the casing 210. Alternatively, the battery device 200 can also be in the form of battery modules composed of multiple battery cells 220 first connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed configuration, and then these battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed configuration to form a whole, which is then housed within the casing 210. The battery device 200 may also include other structures, such as busbars, for realizing the electrical connection between the multiple battery cells 220.

[0044] Please refer to Figures 3, 4, and 5. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery swapping connector 100 according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3 at point AA. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery swapping connector 100 according to an embodiment of this application. In the embodiments of this application, the battery swapping connector 100 includes a mounting base 110. The mounting base 110 includes a base body portion 111 and a mating portion 112. The mating portion 112 is disposed on the upper side of the base body portion 111 and protrudes from the base body portion 111. The upper surface of the mating portion 112 has a first end 1121 and a second end 1122 at its two ends in a first horizontal direction. The upper surface of the mating portion 112 extends downward along the direction from the first end 1121 toward the second end 1122.

[0045] In addition, the battery swapping connector 100 also includes a plug 120, which includes a housing 121 and a pin 122. The housing 121 is disposed on the base portion 111, and the housing 121 and the mating portion 112 are located on the same side of the base portion 111. The housing 121 extends vertically in a cylindrical structure and surrounds the mating portion 112. The pin 122 is disposed on the radially inner side of the housing 121 and passes through the mating portion 112. The lower end of the housing 121 ( At least one discharge through hole 123 is formed at the end of the housing 121 connected to the seat part 111. The discharge through hole 123 is located at the second end 1122. The discharge through hole 123 is located on the housing 121 at a position corresponding to the second end 1122. The discharge through hole 123 is located on the upper side of the mating part 112. Part of the hole edge of the discharge through hole 123 is flush with the second end 1122. The bottom position of the hole wall of the discharge through hole 123 is flush with the second end 1122.

[0046] "Up and down direction" can be understood as the height direction of the battery swapping connector 100, and "first horizontal direction" can be understood as the width direction of the battery swapping connector 100. For specific direction illustrations, please refer to Figures 3 and 4.

[0047] The battery swapping connector 100 can be disposed on the battery device 200. Specifically, the base portion 111 can be mounted on the housing 210 of the battery device 200. Since the base portion 111 serves as the mounting carrier for the mating portion 112 and the plug 120, the battery swapping connector 100 and the battery device 200 can be assembled by connecting the base portion 111 to the housing 210.

[0048] The seat portion 111 has a mating portion 112 and a housing 121 for the plug 120 on the side facing away from the housing 210 in the vertical direction. The mating portion 112's surface facing away from the seat portion 111 (i.e., the upper surface of the mating portion 112) is defined with a first end 1121 and a second end 1122 at its two ends in the first horizontal direction. Because the upper surface of the mating portion 112 is inclined along the direction extending from the first end 1121 to the second end 1122, the vertical distance between the mating portion 112's surface facing away from the seat portion 111 and the seat portion 111 is reduced. It can be understood that the upper surface of the mating portion 112 can be a plane or a curved surface.

[0049] The side surface of the seat portion 111 facing away from the mating portion 112 can be horizontally arranged, and the side surface of the mating portion 112 facing away from the seat portion 111 can be formed as an arc-shaped surface. In the direction extending from the first end 1121 to the second end 1122, the angle between the tangent of the arc-shaped surface and the side surface of the seat portion 111 facing away from the mating portion 112 gradually increases; or the side surface of the mating portion 112 facing away from the seat portion 111 can be formed as an inclined surface, that is, the side surface of the mating portion 112 facing away from the seat portion 111 and the side surface of the seat portion 111 facing away from the mating portion 112 are arranged at an angle.

[0050] As long as the distance between the side surface of the mating part 112 away from the seat part 111 and the seat part 111 in the first direction is reduced in the direction extending from the first end 1121 to the second end 1122, the shape of the side surface of the mating part 112 away from the seat part 111 is not specifically limited here.

[0051] The housing 121 is disposed around the mating portion 112 in the circumferential direction and extends in the first direction. The housing 121 and the mating portion 112 together define a cavity with one end open. The pin 122 passes through the mating portion 112 and is used for electrical connection with the mating structure at the station end. The housing 121 can protect the pin 122, which helps to reduce the risk of damage to the pin 122. In addition, the housing 121 can guide the plug 120 when mating with the mating structure, which helps to improve the convenience of mating the plug 120 with the mating structure.

[0052] For example, the shell 121 can be constructed as an elliptical cylinder, a circular cylinder, or a polygonal cylinder (e.g., a square cylinder).

[0053] Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the housing 121 has a discharge through hole 123 on one side corresponding to the second end 1122 in the first horizontal direction. The discharge through hole 123 can penetrate the housing 121 in the first horizontal direction, so that the inside and outside of the housing 121 are connected through the discharge through hole 123. When debris (such as dust or snow water) enters the housing 121 through the open end of the housing 121, the distance between the upper surface of the mating part 112 and the seat part 111 in the vertical direction along the direction extending from the first end 1121 to the second end 1122 is... The upper surface of the mating part 112 extends downward toward the discharge through hole 123, so that the upper surface of the mating part 112 can guide the debris toward the second end 1122, and the debris can be further discharged from the housing 121 through the discharge through hole 123. This helps to prevent the accumulation of debris in the housing 121, thereby reducing the risk of the battery swapping efficiency of the battery device 200 being affected by the accumulation of debris in the battery swapping connector 100. At the same time, it helps to reduce the cleaning frequency of the battery swapping connector 100 and facilitates the maintenance of the battery swapping connector 100.

[0054] Referring to Figure 5, a portion of the hole edge of the discharge through hole 123 is flush with the second end 1122. This allows the bottom of the hole wall of the discharge through hole 123 to be flush with the lowest point of the upper surface of the mating part 112. This prevents the mating part 112 from blocking the discharge through hole 123, thereby reducing the risk of blockage and improving the smooth discharge of debris through the discharge through hole 123.

[0055] The discharge through hole 123 can be provided with 1, 2, 3, 4 or more. The specific number of discharge through holes 123 can be determined according to the size of the discharge through hole 123, the size of the shell 121 and the structural strength requirements of the shell 121, etc., and is not specifically limited here.

[0056] In the above technical solution, by providing a mating part 112 on the seat portion 111, and making the upper surface of the mating part 112 extend downward toward the second end 1122, the mating part 112 can guide debris toward the second end 1122. By providing a discharge through hole 123 on the housing 121 located at the second end 1122, after the mating part 112 guides the debris to the second end 1122 on the side surface away from the seat portion 211, the debris can be discharged from the battery swapping connector 100 through the discharge through hole 123, preventing debris from accumulating inside the battery swapping connector 100. This design helps reduce the risk of the battery swapping efficiency of the battery device 200 being affected by the accumulation of debris inside the battery swapping connector 100. Furthermore, the edge of the discharge through hole 123 is flush with the second end 1122 to prevent the mating part 112 from blocking the discharge through hole 123, thereby improving the effect of debris being discharged through the discharge through hole 123. It also helps prevent the discharge through hole 123 from becoming blocked. In addition, the setting of the discharge through hole 123 facilitates the introduction of air resistance by the battery swapping connector 100, which helps to increase the friction force when the battery swapping connector 100 mates with the mating device, thereby improving the mating reliability of the battery swapping connector 100.

[0057] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, in the embodiments of this application, the housing 121 and the mating part 112 are connected without gaps. For example, the housing 121 and the mating part 112 are a single piece.

[0058] In the above technical solution, by making the housing 121 and the mating part 112 connected without gaps, the mating part 112 is prevented from being unable to guide the debris falling into the gap to the discharge through hole 123 due to the gap formed between the housing 121 and the mating part 112. This makes it easier to remove all the debris in the housing 121, which is beneficial to improving the effect of debris discharge, improving the cleaning convenience of the battery swapping connector 100, and reducing the cleaning frequency of the battery swapping connector 100.

[0059] The inner contour shape of the orthographic projection of the housing 121 on the horizontal plane can be adapted to the outer contour shape of the orthographic projection of the mating part 112 on the horizontal plane, and the housing 121 is arranged around and closely attached to the mating part 112 in the circumferential direction to achieve a gapless connection between the housing 121 and the mating part 112.

[0060] Referring to Figure 4, in an embodiment of this application, the distance between the upper surface of the mating portion 112 and the lower surface of the seat portion 111 in the vertical direction continuously decreases along the direction from the first end 1121 toward the second end 1122. For example, the upper surface of the mating portion 112 extends smoothly into an inclined surface or a curved surface.

[0061] In the above technical solution, by making the distance between the side surface of the mating part 112 away from the seat part 111 and the side surface of the seat part 111 away from the mating part 112 in the first direction continuously decrease along the direction from the first end 1121 to the second end 1122, it is convenient to process the mating part 112, and there are less likely to be dead corners on the upper surface of the mating part 112, which helps to reduce the risk of debris accumulating on the mating part 112, thereby improving the guiding effect of the mating part 112 on debris and improving the effect of debris discharge.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, the lower surface of the seat 111 can be horizontally arranged, and the upper surface of the mating part 112 is arranged at an angle to the lower surface of the seat 111. The angle can be a fixed value or gradually change. That is, the upper surface of the mating part 112 can be a plane, an arc surface, or a stepped inclined surface, etc. In the vertical direction, the upper surface of the mating part 112 gradually extends from the first end 1121 to the second end 1122 towards the direction closer to the seat 111.

[0063] Referring to Figure 4, in the embodiment of this application, the side surface of the mating part 112 away from the seat part 111 is formed as an inclined surface, and the angle between the inclined surface and the side surface of the seat part 111 away from the mating part 112 is α, where 5°≤α≤45°.

[0064] In the above technical solution, by making the included angle α between the inclined surface and the side surface of the seat 111 that is away from the mating part 112 satisfy 5°≤α≤45°, the guiding effect of the side surface of the mating part 112 away from the seat 111 on debris is improved, while the arrangement space required for the mating part 112 in the vertical direction is reduced, and the size of the power swapping connector 100 in the vertical direction is reduced.

[0065] The included angle α between the inclined surface and the side surface of the seat 111 that is away from the mating part 112 can be 5°, 6°, 7° and 8°, etc. When α < 5°, the guiding effect of the inclined surface on the debris is poor, and some types of debris are easy to accumulate in the housing 121. When α > 45°, the arrangement space required for the mating part 112 is large, which can easily lead to an increase in the size of the power swapping connector 100, and at the same time, it is not convenient for the production and assembly of the power swapping connector 100.

[0066] Wherein, α satisfies 30°≤α≤45°, so as to improve the guiding effect of the inclined surface on the debris, and also help to reduce the arrangement space required for the mating part 112, while improving the mechanical stability of the mating part 112 and reducing the risk of damage to the mating part 112.

[0067] Referring to Figures 3 and 5, in the embodiments of this application, the number of discharge through holes 123 is three or more, and the multiple discharge through holes 123 are spaced apart.

[0068] In the above technical solution, by setting the number of discharge through holes 123 to three or more, it is beneficial to improve the efficiency of discharge of debris from the power-changing connector 100, thereby further reducing the cleaning frequency of the power-changing connector 100. By setting multiple discharge through holes 123 at intervals, it is beneficial to appropriately reduce the weakening of the housing 121 caused by processing the discharge through holes 123, realize the reliable setting of the structural strength of the housing 121, and reduce the risk of damage to the housing 121.

[0069] The number of discharge through holes 123 can be three, four, or five, etc. Multiple discharge through holes 123 can be arranged sequentially at intervals along the second horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The specific number and arrangement of discharge through holes 123 can be determined according to actual production requirements, and are not specifically limited here.

[0070] The “second horizontal direction” can be understood as the length direction of the seat part 111. For a specific direction diagram, please refer to Figures 3 and 4.

[0071] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the diameter of the discharge through-hole 123 is d, where 6mm ≤ d ≤ 12mm.

[0072] The diameter d of the discharge through hole 123 can be 6mm, 7mm, 8mm or 9mm, etc. The specific diameter of the discharge through hole 123 can be determined in actual production and processing, and is not specifically limited here.

[0073] In the above technical solution, by ensuring that the diameter d of the discharge through hole 123 satisfies 6mm≤d≤12mm, it is beneficial to reduce the risk of blockage of the discharge through hole 123, and to improve the efficiency of discharge of debris through the discharge through hole 123. At the same time, it is beneficial to prevent poor structural strength of the shell 121 due to excessively large diameter of the discharge through hole 123, and to reduce the risk of damage to the shell 121.

[0074] In some embodiments, the number of discharge through holes 123 is three or more, and the diameter of the discharge through holes 123 is d, 6mm≤d≤12mm.

[0075] In the above technical solution, by setting the number of discharge through holes 123 to three or more, and setting the multiple discharge through holes 123 at intervals, and making the diameter d of the discharge through holes 123 satisfy 6mm≤d≤12mm, it is beneficial to improve the efficiency of debris discharge from the power swapping connector 100, thereby further reducing the cleaning frequency of the power swapping connector 100, and reducing the risk of blockage of the discharge through holes 123. At the same time, it is beneficial to improve the structural strength of the housing 121 and reduce the risk of damage to the housing 121.

[0076] In this embodiment of the application, the shape of the discharge through hole 123 is not specifically limited. For example, the discharge through hole 123 can be a circular hole, an elliptical hole, a polygonal hole, etc.

[0077] In some embodiments, when the battery swapping connector 100 is installed on the enclosure 213 of the battery device 200, α can be 30°, and the housing 121 can be provided with three discharge through holes 123, each with a diameter of 10 mm. This improves the ease of processing the battery swapping connector 100 and enhances the effect of removing debris through the discharge through holes 123. Furthermore, the size and number of discharge through holes 123 are set to ensure the structural strength of the housing 121 while improving the reliability of the battery swapping connector 100.

[0078] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, in the embodiments of this application, the housing 121 includes two first sidewalls 1211 disposed opposite to each other along a first horizontal direction and two second sidewalls 1212 disposed opposite to each other along a second horizontal direction. The two first sidewalls 1211 are both flat plate structures and are disposed in parallel. The two second sidewalls 1212 are curved plate structures that protrude away from each other. A discharge through hole 123 is formed on one of the first sidewalls 1211. The second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

[0079] Two first sidewalls 1211 are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart in a first horizontal direction, and two second sidewalls 1212 are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart in a second horizontal direction. Adjacent first sidewalls 1211 and second sidewalls 1212 are connected. The first sidewalls 1211 are flat plate structures, and the two second sidewalls 1212 are curved plate structures. From the position where the second sidewalls 1212 are connected to the two first sidewalls 1211, the two second sidewalls 1212 protrude in a direction away from each other. A discharge through hole 123 is formed on one of the two first sidewalls 1211 that is adjacent to the second end 1122.

[0080] In the above technical solution, by forming the two first sidewalls 1211 into flat plate structures, the processing and arrangement of the first sidewalls 1211 are facilitated, and the discharge through hole 123 is formed on the first sidewalls 1211, which facilitates the processing of the discharge through hole 123; by forming the two second sidewalls 1212 into curved plate structures that protrude away from each other, since the structural strength of the curved plate structure is relatively greater than that of the flat plate structure, it is beneficial to improve the structural strength of the shell 121, and it is also beneficial to increase the internal space of the shell 121, which facilitates the arrangement of structures such as the pin 122 inside the shell 121.

[0081] Referring to Figure 6, in the embodiments of this application, there are multiple pins 122 and the multiple pins 122 are arranged at intervals along the second horizontal direction. In the first horizontal direction, the distance between each pin 122 and the two first sidewalls 1211 is not equal.

[0082] Referring to Figure 6, two pins 122 can be provided, and the two pins 122 are spaced apart along the second horizontal direction. Referring to Figure 4, in the first horizontal direction, the pins 122 are relatively close to the first sidewall 1211 located on the same side as the first end 1121. That is, the distance between the pins 122 and the first sidewall 1211 located on the same side as the first end 1121 is smaller than the distance between the pins 122 and the first sidewall 1211 located on the same side as the second end 1122. This helps to reduce the amount of debris falling into the gap between the pins 122 and the first sidewall 1211 located on the same side as the first end 1121. It also makes it easier for the mating part 112 to guide the debris toward the second end 1122, thereby facilitating the discharge of debris. Furthermore, it makes it easier to distinguish the direction when the battery swapping connector 100 and the mating structure of the station are mated, which helps to improve the mating convenience of the battery swapping connector 100.

[0083] Of course, the number of pins 122 can be determined according to actual production requirements. For example, the number of pins 122 can also be three, etc. The specific number of pins 122 is not limited here.

[0084] In the above technical solution, by arranging multiple pins 122 at intervals along the second horizontal direction, it is beneficial to prevent the battery swapping connector 100 from malfunctioning due to contact between the pins 122 and the station end mating structure. It also facilitates the electrical connection between the pins 122 on the battery swapping connector 100 and the mating structure at the station end. By making the distance between each pin 122 and the two first sidewalls 1211 in the first horizontal direction unequal, it is beneficial to improve the effect of debris discharge and facilitates positioning when the battery swapping connector 100 is mated with the mating structure, thereby improving the mating convenience and accuracy of the battery swapping connector 100.

[0085] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, in the embodiments of this application, the battery swapping connector 100 further includes a protective wall 130. Each pin 122 corresponds to one protective wall 130. The protective wall 130 is disposed around the corresponding pin 122 and spaced between the pin 122 and the housing 121. In the vertical direction, both the protective wall 130 and the pin 122 protrude from the end of the housing 121 away from the base portion 111, and both the protective wall 130 and the pin 122 protrude from the end of the base portion 111 away from the housing 121. It can be seen that both the protective wall 130 and the pin 122 protrude from the upper end of the housing 121, and both the protective wall 130 and the pin 122 protrude from the upper end of the base portion 111.

[0086] The protective wall 130 can be formed as a sleeve, which surrounds the outer periphery of the pin 122 and is spaced apart from the housing 121 and the pin 122 respectively. The first end 1121 of the protective wall 130 and the pin 122 in the first direction extends out of the mounting base 110, and the other end of the protective wall 130 and the pin 122 extends out of the housing 121 in the first direction.

[0087] In the above technical solution, by setting a protective wall 130, the pin 122 is protected, which helps to reduce the risk of damage to the pin 122. In the process of electrical connection between the pin 122 and the mating structure, the protective wall 130 can play a guiding and positioning role to a certain extent, which helps to improve the convenience and accuracy of mating between the battery swapping connector 100 and the mating structure. In the vertical direction, by making the protective wall 130 and the pin 122 extend from the mounting base 110 and the housing 121 respectively, the convenience of electrical connection of the battery swapping connector 100 is improved.

[0088] In the embodiments of this application, the battery swapping connector 100 further includes a protective cover, which is movably connected to or detachably connected to the base portion 111 or the housing 121, and the protective cover is used to cover one end of the housing 121 away from the base portion 111.

[0089] The protective cover and the base 111 may be provided with a snap-fit ​​structure to allow the protective cover to be detachably connected to the base 111. At the same time, the protective cover can be fitted and detachably connected to the housing 121. When the power swapping connector 100 is not used, the protective cover is placed on the end of the housing 121 away from the base 111 (i.e., the upper end of the housing 121) to close the open end of the housing 121 and prevent debris from falling into the housing 121. When it is necessary to mate the power swapping connector 100 with the mating structure, the protective cover can be removed from the housing 121 and fixed to the base 111 by the snap-fit ​​structure to prevent the protective cover from being lost. After the power swapping is completed, the protective cover can be removed from the base 111 and placed on the open end of the housing 121 to close the housing 121.

[0090] Alternatively, the protective cover can be rotatably mounted on the open end of the housing 121 via a pivot. When the battery swapping connector 100 is not needed, the protective cover is placed on the end of the housing 121 away from the seat portion 111 to close the open end of the housing 121 and prevent debris from falling into the housing 121. When it is necessary to mate the battery swapping connector 100 with the mating structure, the protective cover can be driven to rotate relative to the housing 121 to open the open end of the housing 121, so that the battery swapping connector 100 can mate with the mating structure.

[0091] The protective cover can be removed or opened relative to the housing 121 by manual operation or by automatic operation by a device such as a robotic arm.

[0092] The connection method between the protective cover, the base 111, and the housing 121 is not specifically limited in this application. For example, the protective cover can be detachably connected to the housing 121 by means of a threaded connection, or the protective cover can be movably connected to the base 111 by means of a rotatable connection, thereby achieving a detachable connection between the protective cover and the housing 121.

[0093] In the above technical solution, by placing the protective cover on the end of the housing 121 away from the seat 111, it is beneficial to reduce the risk of debris falling into the housing 121, thereby further reducing the frequency of cleaning the battery swapping connector 100, and thus reducing the cleaning and maintenance costs of the battery swapping connector 100.

[0094] Referring to Figure 2, in a second aspect, this application also provides a battery device 200, which includes a housing 210, a battery cell 220, and the aforementioned battery swapping connector 100. The battery cell 220 is disposed inside the housing 210, the battery swapping connector 100 is disposed in the housing 210, and the mounting base 110 is connected to the housing 210.

[0095] In the above technical solution, since the battery device 200 is provided with the aforementioned battery swapping connector 100, and the battery swapping connector 100 is not prone to accumulating debris, it is beneficial to improve the battery swapping efficiency of the battery device 200 and reduce the cleaning and maintenance costs of the battery device 200.

[0096] In some embodiments, the battery device 200 further includes a partition beam (not shown) disposed within the housing 210, and the partition beam divides the internal space of the housing 210 into a receiving cavity and an electrical cavity. Alternatively, the partition beam can be understood as separating the receiving cavity and the electrical cavity, with the battery cell 220 disposed in the receiving cavity.

[0097] For example, the electrical cavity can be used to house electrical components, such as relays for controlling the charging and discharging process of the battery device 200, contactors for controlling the connection and disconnection of the battery device 200 with the vehicle circuit, and sensors for real-time monitoring and control of the current flow inside the battery device 200.

[0098] In the above technical solution, by setting a partition beam to separate the housing cavity and the electrical cavity, when the battery cell 220 in the housing cavity leaks liquid, the partition beam can prevent the liquid from flowing into the electrical cavity, which helps to reduce the risk of contaminating the electrical components due to the liquid flowing into the electrical cavity, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit of the electrical components and improving the safety of the battery device 200.

[0099] The battery swapping connector 100 is provided in relation to the electrical cavity, which facilitates the electrical connection between the battery swapping connector 100 and the corresponding component located in the electrical cavity. The battery swapping connector 100 serves as the electrical interface of the battery device 200, and it can be mated with the mating structure on the charging facility (such as a charging pile) so that the battery device 200 can transmit power to the charging facility and realize the battery swapping of the battery device 200.

[0100] In embodiments of this application, the battery swapping connector 100 is recessed relative to the inner surface of the housing 210.

[0101] The battery swapping connector 100 is disposed on the inner surface of the housing 210, and the battery swapping connector 100 is recessed from the inner surface of the housing 210 toward the outer surface of the housing 210. Alternatively, it can be understood that the battery swapping connector 100 is recessed from the inner surface of the housing 210 toward the direction away from the cavity (the cavity is composed of the receiving cavity and the electrical cavity).

[0102] In the above technical solution, by making the battery swapping connector 100 recessed relative to the inner surface of the housing 210, the space occupied by the battery swapping connector 100 in the housing 210 is reduced, which helps to increase the space in the housing 210 for arranging the battery cells 220, thereby helping to improve the energy density of the battery device 200.

[0103] Referring to Figure 2, in an embodiment of this application, the housing 210 includes a top wall 211, a bottom wall 212, and a surrounding wall 213. The surrounding wall 213 connects the top wall 211 and the bottom wall 212. The battery swapping connector 100 is disposed on the top wall 211, the bottom wall 212, or the surrounding wall 213.

[0104] The box 210 can be constructed as a square, with a top wall 211 and a bottom wall 212 arranged opposite to each other. A surrounding wall 213 can be connected to at least one of the top wall 211 and the bottom wall 212. For example, the box 210 may include a first box 210a and a second box 210b. The first box 210a includes a top wall 211 and a surrounding wall 213 arranged around and connected to the top wall 211 in the circumferential direction. The second box 210b includes a bottom wall 212 and a surrounding wall 213 arranged around and connected to the bottom wall 212 in the circumferential direction. The enclosure 213 connected to the wall 212 means that both the first box 210a and the second box 210b are hollow structures with one end open. The enclosure 213 of the first box 210a and the enclosure 213 of the second box 210b are provided with flanges. When the first box 210a and the second box 210b are fastened together, the first box 210a and the second box 210b are fixedly connected by threaded fasteners (such as screws or bolts) passing through the flanges, thereby realizing the connection of the enclosure 213 to the top wall 211 and the bottom wall 212.

[0105] The structure and shape of the enclosure 210 are not limited to this, as long as the enclosure 213 can connect the top wall 211 and the bottom wall 212. The specific structure and shape of the enclosure 210 can be determined according to the actual production requirements, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0106] The battery swapping connector 100 can be installed on the top wall 211, bottom wall 212, or enclosure 213 of the housing 210 to improve the layout flexibility of the battery swapping connector 100 and improve the production and assembly efficiency of the battery device 100.

[0107] The specific installation location of the battery swapping connector 100 can be determined according to actual production requirements and the arrangement of the battery device 200 on the vehicle, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0108] Referring to Figure 1, in a third aspect, this application also provides an electrical device 1000, which includes the aforementioned battery device 200, which is used to store or provide electrical energy.

[0109] In the above technical solution, since the power-consuming device 1000 is equipped with the aforementioned battery device 200, and the battery device 200 has good battery swapping efficiency, it is beneficial to improve the battery swapping efficiency of the power-consuming device 1000.

[0110] Please refer again to the accompanying drawings to describe the battery swapping connector 100 of a specific embodiment of this application.

[0111] The battery swapping connector 100 includes a mounting base 110, which includes a base portion 111 and a mating portion 112. The mating portion 112 is disposed on the upper surface of the base portion 111, and the upper surface of the mating portion 112 is formed as an inclined surface. The distance between the inclined surface and the lower surface of the base portion 111 in the vertical direction gradually decreases along the direction from the first end 1121 to the second end 1122. The included angle α between the inclined surface and the side surface of the base portion 111 away from the mating portion 112 satisfies the relationship: 5°≤α≤45°.

[0112] The battery swapping connector 100 also includes a plug 120, which includes a housing 121 and pins 122. The housing 121 is arranged around the mating part 112 and is connected to the mating part 112 without gap. The housing 121 is provided with a discharge through hole 123, which is located at the second end 1122 and above the mating part 123. The edge of the discharge through hole 123 is flush with the second end 1122. There can be three discharge through holes 123, which are spaced apart. The diameter d of the discharge through hole 123 satisfies the relationship: 6mm≤d≤12mm.

[0113] Therefore, by providing a mating part 112 on the seat part 111 and a discharge through hole 123 located at the second end 1122 on the housing 121, the mating part 112 guides the debris to the second end 1122 on the side surface away from the seat part 211, and the debris can be discharged from the power swap connector 100 through the discharge through hole 123. Furthermore, the edge of the discharge through hole 123 is flush with the second end 1122 to prevent the mating part 112 from blocking the discharge through hole 123.

[0114] The housing 121 has an elongated oval cross-section. A discharge through hole 123 is provided on one side wall of the housing 121, which extends straight and is located at the second end 1122. A protective wall 130 is also provided inside the housing 121. The protective wall 130 surrounds its corresponding pin 122 to protect the pin 122. In the vertical direction, both the protective wall 130 and the pin 122 extend out of the housing 121. Both the protective wall 130 and the pin 122 extend from the end of the seat 111 away from the housing 121 to facilitate the electrical connection of the power swapping connector 100.

[0115] The battery swapping connector 100 also includes a protective cover, which is rotatably disposed at the end of the housing 121 away from the base portion 111 via a pivot. When the battery swapping connector 100 is not in use, the protective cover can be placed on the end of the housing 121 away from the base portion 111. When the battery swapping connector 100 needs to be mated with the mating structure, the protective cover can be driven to rotate relative to the housing 121 to expose the pins 122 in the housing 121. Thus, by providing a protective cover, the risk of debris falling into the housing 121 is further reduced, and the cleaning and maintenance costs of the battery swapping connector 100 are reduced.

[0116] Where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features described herein may be combined with each other.

[0117] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A battery swapping connector, wherein, include: The mounting base includes a base body and a mating part. The mating part is located on the upper side of the base body and protrudes from the base body. The upper surface of the mating part has a first end and a second end at two ends in a first horizontal direction. The upper surface of the mating part extends downward along the direction from the first end toward the second end. A plug, comprising a housing and a pin, wherein the housing is disposed on the base portion and on the same side of the base portion as the mating portion, the housing extends vertically into a cylindrical structure and surrounds the mating portion, the pin is disposed on the radially inner side of the housing and passes through the mating portion, and at least one discharge through hole is formed at the lower end of the housing, the discharge through hole is located at the second end and on the upper side of the mating portion, and a portion of the discharge through hole is flush with the upper and lower edges of the second end of the mating portion.

2. The battery swapping connector according to claim 1, wherein, The housing and the mating part are connected without gaps.

3. The battery swapping connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The distance between the upper surface of the mating part and the lower surface of the seat part in the vertical direction gradually and continuously decreases along the direction from the first end to the second end.

4. The battery swapping connector according to claim 3, wherein, The upper surface of the mating part is formed as an inclined surface, and the angle between the inclined surface and the side surface of the seat part away from the mating part is α, where 5°≤α≤45°.

5. The battery swapping connector according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The number of discharge through holes is three or more, and the multiple discharge through holes are spaced apart. And / or, the diameter of the discharge through hole is d, 6mm≤d≤12mm.

6. The battery swapping connector according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The housing includes two first sidewalls arranged opposite each other along the first horizontal direction and two second sidewalls arranged opposite each other along the second horizontal direction. The two first sidewalls are both flat plate structures and are arranged in parallel. The two second sidewalls are curved plate structures that protrude away from each other. The discharge through hole is formed on one of the first sidewalls. The second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

7. The battery swapping connector according to claim 6, wherein, The pins are multiple and spaced apart along the second horizontal direction, and the distance between each pin and the two first sidewalls is unequal in the first horizontal direction.

8. The battery swapping connector according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, Also includes: Each of the pins corresponds to a protective wall. The protective wall is arranged around the corresponding pin and spaced between the pin and the housing. In the vertical direction, both the protective wall and the pin protrude from the end of the housing away from the base portion and from the end of the base portion away from the housing.

9. The battery swapping connector according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, Also includes: A protective cover, which is movably or detachably connected to the base portion or the housing, and is used to cover one end of the housing opposite to the base portion.

10. A battery device, wherein, It includes a housing, a battery cell, and a battery swapping connector according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the battery cell is disposed in the housing, the battery swapping connector is disposed in the housing, and the mounting base is connected to the housing.

11. The battery device according to claim 10, wherein, It also includes a partition beam, which is disposed inside the box and divides the internal space of the box into a receiving cavity and an electrical cavity. The battery cell is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the battery swapping connector is disposed in the electrical cavity.

12. The battery device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The battery swapping connector is recessed relative to the inner surface of the housing.

13. The battery device according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein, The enclosure includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a surrounding wall, with the surrounding wall connecting the top wall and the bottom wall. The battery swapping connector is located on the top wall, the bottom wall, or the surrounding wall.

14. An electrical appliance, wherein, Includes a battery device according to any one of claims 10-13, the battery device being used to store or provide electrical energy.

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